What is Unstable Essence in Destiny 2: Shadowkeep

Shadowkeep is full of Nightmares.

Shadowkeep is live in Destiny 2, giving Guardians the chance to explore a haunted Moon. During your time in Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, you may come across something called Unstable Essence. At first glance, it can be confusing to determine what Unstable Essence is and how you use it effectively. To help, we’ve put together a quick guide addressing what Unstable Essence is in Destiny 2: Shadowkeep!

What is Unstable Essence in Destiny 2: Shadowkeep

What is Unstable Essence in Destiny 2: Shadowkeep
In the Shadowkeep expansion of Destiny 2, you'll encounter a buff called Unstable Essence that lets you dish out extra damage against Nightmare enemy types.
© Bungie

In Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, Unstable Essence is a new buff acquired after you defeat Nightmare enemy types. In particular, Lesser Nightmare enemies who have a chance to drop red orbs. When you grab these red orbs during combat, you are given the chance to work a 15-second buff called Unstable Essence into your battle strategy.

With the Unstable Essence buff in place, you’ll be able to dish out extra damage to Nightmare enemy types, which certainly comes in handy during larger scale fights. For example, let’s say you’re facing a cluster of Nightmare enemies in Destiny 2: Shadowkeep and are having a hard time working your way through them all.

You can target Lesser Nightmare enemies first, pick up the red orbs they drop, and then get yourself the Unstable Essence buff. With the Unstable Essence buff in place, you’ll have an easier time working your way through stronger Nightmare enemies. To quickly recap, Unstable Nightmare refers to a 15-second buff in Destiny 2: Shadowkeep that lets you deal out extra damage against Nightmare enemy types.

Now that you know what Unstable Essence is in Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, be sure to read through some of our previous guides including how to perform a Finishing Move in Destiny 2, when the free-to-play New Light goes live in Destiny 2, and what error code Currant means in Destiny 2.

Morgan is a writer, indie game lover, and socially awkward coffee addict. Need something? Morgan can be reached at morgan.shaver@allgamers.com or if you like, you can say hello using GIFs on Twitter.

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